Barrier Device

About the Movie

The researcher for a female condom study discovers that one of her subjects is dating her "ex". 27 minutes of great comedy. Starring SANDRA OH (Sideways, Grey's Anatomy) and SUZY NAKAMURA (Dodgeball, 40-Year Old Virgin).

Customer Reviews

A must for fans of Sandra Oh

by
EP Sato

Sandra Oh was at her sexy best in "Sideways", but she's at her everywoman self depreciative best in "Barrier Device".
Oh plays the role of Audrey, an awkward graduate student who is flustered to discover that one of the test subjects ( Serena, played by prolific actress Suzy Nakamura) is involved with her ex boyfriend. Audrey develops a friendship with Serena, at first for less than honorable reasons. As the movie goes on, we are given reason to understand Audrey's frustration, and empathize with her personal struggles.
On the one hand there is Serena, her friend. Serena tells Audrey the mean things her boyfriend says about his ex, never realizing that it's Audrey. Audrey becomes closer friends with Serena, culminating in a scene so sweet, you'll want to don some pajamas and join in.
The end brings us a conflict that threatens to end the friendship, and the strength the resolution brings to all involved.
While the movie has some of the funniest scenes ever filmed (the "safe sex" scene is hilarious, and the "phone scene" is so awkward, that it's almost painful to watch), a credit to Director Grace Lee's sense of timing, it's not really a comedy, and is more about the friendship between these two women.
Most fun to watch in this film is Sandra Oh herself. Frequently seen as a confident woman, this particular character shows where she most shines, as a normal woman with some deep insecurities. This is one of Oh's best roles to date. Suzy Nakamura is also fantastic in her role, and will be working again with Director Grace Lee's 2007 movie "American Zombie". While the movie is short, it's amazing how much story this director can put into one movie. I highly recommend this film for it's sincerity, and for the fantastic performance by Sandra Oh.

Great performances; great writing; great film

by
YasujiroOzu

A nearly perfect short film. I once heard Sandra Oh say this was her favorite of the films she had performed in that year, and now seeing it I have to agree. It's funny, sexy and ultimately quite moving. Not to be missed.

Sharp, Witty, Brilliant!

by
leopardgang

A very clever, heart-felt, funny film about love, disappointment, and conflicts of interest. Great performances by two amazing actresses (Sandra Oh and Suzy Nakamura). Highly recommended.